OSV has a Heart with latest donation

On Wednesday, Jan. 5, Old Sturbridge Village interpreter Rob Lyon, right, presented a check for $2,600 to Dick Fiske Sr., center, and Dick Fiske Jr., left, of the North Brookfield-based charity Heart to Heart Foundation. (click for larger version)

January 11, 2011

STURBRIDGE — Last Wednesday, Jan. 5, Old Sturbridge Village interpreter Rob Lyon showed a little love to North Brookfield's Heart to Heart Foundation by presenting a $2,600 on behalf of OSV.

Members of the village raised the money at their annual staff holiday party from the proceeds of a silent auction, raffle, and a sale of Village-made items. The donation was the largest single gift the Heart to Heart Foundation has received to date.

"We are thrilled to be able to give back to the community each year," said OSV Marketing and Communications Coordinator Kate Brandt. "We donate money to a different organization every year, and the Heart to Heart Foundation was a great choice for this year's donation."

Founded 10 years ago by Dick Fiske Sr., of Brookfield, the Heart to Heart Foundation assists the families of individuals who suffer from such devastating afflictions as cancer and heart disease. Back in 2001, Fiske noted the financial successes of his talent shows in Brookfield and wanted to use the shows to benefit individuals who were battling illnesses. Since then, the non-profit organization has expanded and now hosts many talent and specialty shows throughout the area, donating its proceeds to dozens of individuals and families.

Most recently, the Heart to Heart Foundation assisted an individual who had just underwent an operation in a Boston hospital. The organization also makes yearly contributions to a cancer foundation based in Barre, as well as several other area institutions.

For more on this story, please see tomorrow's Southbridge Evening News.